On the ballot for Naples election: Town supervisor, town board candidates

Sunday

Oct 20, 2013 at 7:33 PM

John Cowley is running for re-election as Naples town supervisor in the November election. He faces a challenge from Naples Mayor Brian Schenk.

By Julie Sherwood JSherwood@mesengerpostmedia.com

NAPLES — John Cowley is running for re-election as Naples town supervisor in the November election. He faces a challenge from Naples Mayor Brian Schenk.

Cowley, a Democrat, took office as supervisor in January 2012; Schenk, a Republican, became mayor in July of last year.

The position is a two-year term, and the town pays $13,067 in 2013 (in addition to the $13,176 paid supervisors for serving also on the Ontario County Board of Supervisors.)

Cowley and Schenk answered questions for the Daily Messenger about their run for supervisor.

JOHN COWLEY

Q. What do you think is the single biggest issue facing Naples in upcoming years?A: Growth: People are concerned about the high tax rate. A large part of our budget goes to road maintenance. The current town board and the previous have worked very hard on keeping the tax rate flat. We desire growth but we must be careful of the form it comes in. Growth does not necessarily mean lower tax rates; growth also means more and higher expenses. Gas Extraction (heavy industry) and the light industry that arrives with it will bring some economic benefits to a very few but would otherwise destroy our tourism and affect how we live.

Ontario County and Naples have had incredible tourism recognition as of late. Naples has valuable assets in clean water and air, beautiful nature, topography that sets us apart, interesting heritage, and a friendly hardworking population.

Q. Why are you running for the position?A. Careful planning is essential to maintain the town's character and to recognize the possibilities for the town's potential growth.

The wrong move could be devastating to us. I believe that every step must be taken very cautiously to maintain the character of Naples.

Q. Why are you the best choice to serve?A. I have spent the last 20 months serving the town and the county. This time has been spent assessing the advantages the county government can give our town. I look forward to continuing that process. I understand that we need to look carefully on what we as a community have and not concentrate only on what we do not have. I believe in Naples. I respect everyone that will stand up and work for our community. I welcome more community involvement at our town board meetings and encourage participation in the voting process.

BRIAN SCHENK

Q. What do you think is the single biggest issue facing Naples in upcoming years?A. The most pressing issue facing our town and community in the coming years is our tax burden with the tax rate in the town of Naples being the highest in the county. In order to decrease the burden on our community we need to plan for some measure of controlled and well-considered growth in tax base. We need to create an environment that is inviting to business growth and the creation of living wage jobs. This approach should involve our residents and business owners alike in order to ensure that any plan for growth recognizes the need to preserve the character of our community in the process.

Q. Why are you running for the position?A. I would like to play a significant role in ensuring that Naples retains its charm, natural beauty, and community focus while recognizing that we must also be diverse in our planning in order to retain those attributes: A place where we aspire to raise our children and for our children to raise their own. A place with a sense of community like no other. A place that we are always proud to call home.

Q. Why are you the best choice to serve?A. I believe that I am the best choice because I recognize that public service is a full-time job. The responsibilities of town supervisor require enormous sacrifice and dedication to ensure that our community functions to its full potential while recognizing the needs of the community and our ability to support those needs. In my current role as mayor, my experience has proven beneficial in stabilizing our budget, efficiency of operations and planning that will position our community to ensure that Naples continues to prosper.

Four candidates are seeking to fill two seats on the Town Board. The position is a four-year term. It pays $3,218.50 in 2013.

The four candidates answered questions about their run for town board for the Daily Messenger.

ARDEN NEUBAUER

Q. What do you think is the single biggest issue facing your town in upcoming years?A. The single biggest issue is use of natural resources and concerns about fracking. We must protect our water and the environment while managing development. We need to broaden our business base but it must be done wisely. The town is also facing forming a water district, a huge challenge that must be done.

Q. Why are you running for the position?A. My main purpose is to support Supervisor John Cowley. The town has been running smoothly and I would like that to continue. I am concerned with the water district project, how it will impact those in the town as well as the village. I think the process must be handled like a business and the cost sharing fairly calculated.

Q. Why are you the best choice to serve?A. I have had experience in local government. I think I am a fairly level-headed person and know I can make a positive contribution on the Naples Town Board.

MARK DONADIO

Q. What do you think is the single biggest issue facing Naples in upcoming years?A. Fracking. Next summer I expect New York's highest court to affirm the rights of local municipalities to regulate their own zoning and to ban fracking under their home rule powers in the State Constitution. But if the local laws are not framed properly, the laws will be subject to challenge.

Q. Why are you running for the position?A. Three words: No fracking. Ever. I don't want to just enact a full ban, I want to make sure we have a board that doesn't try to repeal it. Like I did at the village board, I will fight for open and honest government and to have a board that represents the interests of all — not just special groups or friends — and to promote growth in tourism and business locally.

Q. Why are you the best choice to serve?A. I have the education and the professional experience to do what is right. I have no special interests to coddle to — my only drive is to do what needs to be done for the majority and to keep the processes legal. At the village board, I brought up more ideas or proposals than anyone else and I corrected numerous miscourses of action by that board.

ED NORTHROP

Q. What do you think is the single biggest issue facing your town in upcoming years?A. One of the biggest issues is keeping increased property taxes to a minimum. We need to find alternative methods to deal with the rising costs of insurance, supplies and equipment needed for maintenance and upgrades. Our existing water system needs to be addressed as well. We all need to collectively pull together to find solutions to these rising costs that impact the town's budget. Continually raising taxes puts an enormous strain on our residents

Q. Why are you running for the position?A. I decided to run for office because of the values I was raised with. Too often we do not become involved in our community and I would like the opportunity to help make a difference. I would like the chance to help pull people together and shape the policies governing our town. If values and caring about people are something you are looking for, then I am that person and hope I can count on your support.

Q. Why are you the best choice to serve?A. You should elect me because I would be fully dedicated to serving our community. I am positive-minded and believe I would be an asset to the town board. I believe in doing and giving the best in whatever I do.

MARY MUELLER

Q. What do you think is the single biggest issue facing Naples in upcoming years?A. The single biggest issue is creating a fiscally responsible municipal budget each year. With the numerous unfunded mandates required from the state it is a challenge each year to create a balanced budget that provides much needed funding that directly affects the health, safety and welfare of the residents of this community.

Q. Why are you running for the position?A. My decision in 2009 and again in 2013 to run for town board was based upon the simple fact that living and raising a family in this exceptional community instilled in me the desire to give back to the community that has given me so much over the 38 years I have been an active part of it.

Q. Why are you the best choice to serve?A. During my tenure as a member of the town council the council has produced annually a balanced budget that has ensured there are funds available to protect the health, safety and welfare of Naples residents. I have attended just about every town and village board meeting for the past 10 years. I continue to have a strong desire to be involved in the Naples community and wish to continue to represent the residents of Naples as a member of the Town Council.

In other uncontested races on the ballot, Joanne Lincoln is running for town clerk, Matthew Green for town justice, Joanne Austin Schenk for tax collector, and David Voss II for town highway superintendent.